I launched Mantra Staples because words can shift our mindset, inspire positive action, and help us through tough times. My first blog explores what makes a good mantra is and how to use mantras in daily life. We’ll look at examples with ancient origins that are still popular among today’s yoga practitioners. We’ll also explore more relatable phrases and their modern-day applications unrelated to spiritual practices. From traditional Sanskrit chants to personalized affirmations, you’ll discover how to use powerful words to inspire yourself and others around you.
What is a mantra?
A mantra is a sound, word, phrase, or even a prayer that you repeat to focus your mind on a specific idea or the present moment. In short, a mantra is a technique to tame your thoughts. Especially as the word “mantra” is made up of two Sanskrit words: “Manas” (mind) and “tra” (tool).
Why should you use mantras?
If we look at the origins, mantra chanting is associated with spiritual traditions such as Hinduism, Buddhism and Yoga.
In this context, a mantra is believed to have consciousness altering power and is used to get into meditative states. Although every person absolutely deserves to reach a meditative state and leave day-to-day worries behind them if even for five minutes, entering meditative states shouldn’t be the sole goal of using mantras.
I would argue that the primary reason we should use mantras is to manage our thoughts. Clearer mind will have a knock-on effect on our emotional wellbeing. And even if you run every time you hear of spirituality, let me peak your curiosity with a quote from this study on the power of mantras: “We serendipitously discovered that reciting the Ave Maria prayer and yoga mantras enhances and synchronises inherent cardiovascular rhythms because it slows respiration to almost exactly six respirations per minute, which is essentially the same timing as that of endogenous circulatory rhythms.”
So, if calming your nervous system is a priority, read on.
What are some traditional yogic mantras?
Whether you’ve ever been to a yoga class or not, you may associate yogis with “Om” chanting. Well, that’s precisely why we could argue that it is the most popular mantra in the world. However, many others hold deep significance in yogic tradition. Let’s explore a few.
1. Chant Om to get centered
Om (or Aum) is one of the fundamental symbols in the yoga tradition. It is often used alone in mantra meditation, but it is sometimes also part of other mantras.
In the spiritual context, Om is believed to be the original sound from which all other sounds and the creation of the physical world emerged. It represents the birth of the universe and the connection between all living beings.
One of the oldest scriptures in Yoga, Yoga Sutras, described Om as Ishwara (a word denoting god) and recommends focusing on its meaning while chanting.
2. Overcome challenges with Ganesh Mantra
I first came across Ganesh Mantra “Om Gan Ganapataye Namo Namah” during my yoga teacher training. Chanting it honors and seeks the blessing of the deity Ganesh, known as the remover of obstacles. It is considered a go-to mantra for overcoming challenges.
Here, “Om” is the universal sound, “Gam” and “Ganapataye” are syllables and names associated with Ganesh, and “Namaha” is a salutation to the deity.
I recite this mantra when I feel stressed and anxious. I have it on my Spotify playlist for when I feel that a traditional sound would serve me better than any Western phrase could. Sometimes, I just lie in Savasana or legs up the wall and listen to it, repeating the words to myself.
3. Receive wisdom with Gayatri Mantra
oṃ bhūr bhuvaḥ svaḥtat savitur vareṇyaṃbhargo devasya dhīmahidhiyo yo naḥ pracodayāt
One of my yoga teachers used to sing the Gayatri Mantra to commence every class. As a yoga newbie, I thought using a mantra to open a theory class was weird, but that’s how he arrived at every session. That’s how we arrived. It was beautiful, and by the end of the study year, everyone knew it by heart. And now that I know its background, using it before learning new things makes sense.
The Gayatri Mantra is considered one of the most sacred and powerful mantras and serves as a prayer for enlightenment, wisdom, and protection. The mantra is quite long, but its essence is a request for divine guidance. I like the simple translation provided by Swami Vivekenande: “We meditate on the glory of that Being who has produced this universe; may She enlighten our minds.”
The thing with these traditional mantras is that what we call melody in the Western world is not set in stone for mantras. For example, with the Gayatri Mantra, I got attached to how my teacher chanted it, but his version is not available on the internet. The next best thing that I use since I don’t study with him is this beautiful recitation in a song on Spotify. As you see, I like Edo & Jo’s contribution to the world of mantras.
4. Be present with Surya Namaskar Mantra
I am wrapping up the traditional examples with the mantra I use most frequently from the yogic tradition. You may have heard of Surya Namaskar as Sun Salutations, but consider it a sequence of poses.
In fact, Surya Namaskar is a complete spiritual practice encompassing asanas, breathing, and mantras. It’s like a movement meditation. You can practice the Sun Salutation sequence in unison with corresponding mantras that salute the sun for its different features.
As you read through it below, you’ll notice that you already know two words in each line: Om (god or universe) and Namaha (salute). As I don’t have a background in Sanskrit or Indian scriptures, I’ve borrowed this translation from my yoga study book “Asana, Pranayama, Mudra, Bandha” by Swami Satyananda Saraswati.
- Om Mitraaya Namaha: Salutations to the friend of all.
- Om Ravaye Namaha: Salutations to the shining one.
- Om Suryaaya Namaha: Salutations to he who induces activity.
- Om Bhanave Namaha: Salutations to he who illumines.
- Om Khagaya Namaha: Salutations to he who moves quickly in the sky.
- Om Pushne Namaha: Salutations to the giver of strength.
- Om Hiranya Garbhaya Namaha: Salutations to the golden, cosmic self.
- Om Marichaye Namaha: Salutations to the Lord of the Dawn.
- Om Adityaya Namaha: Salutations to the son of Aditi, the cosmic Mother.
- Om Arkaya Namaha: Salutations to he who is fit to be praised.
- Om Savitre Namaha: Salutations to Lord of Creation.
- Om Bhaskaraya Namaha: Salutations to he who leads to enlightenment.
How to use Surya Namaskar mantra?
I never chant this mantra out loud. I play it in the background as I do Sun Salutations between 3-12 times. My go-to for this is Kai Franz’s recordings on Spotify. I love following its rhythmic flow, changing an asana with every Om. I focus on breath and posture throughout. There is no space for other thoughts once you unite breath, movement and mantras.
I also start by feeling gratitude for the sun. Even from a purely scientific perspective, life wouldn’t exist without the sun, so whatever spiritual or religious background you have, you can still appreciate its role in the universe. As I’ve led yoga classes, students say that doing Sun Salutations with this mantra completely shifts their energy.
These are just a few examples of the many mantras used in yoga and spiritual practices. Each mantra carries its own unique energy and purpose. The beauty of yoga is in finding what resonates with you personally. Experiment with different mantras and practices to discover what brings you peace, joy, and connection.
What makes a good mantra for daily life?
Mantras aren’t confined to ancient Sanskrit texts or spiritual practices. They’re simply powerful words or phrases that resonate with you and inspire action. Whether a traditional chant or a modern pop lyric, the core idea is to create a positive mental state.
We’ve all encountered words or phrases that have uplifted or motivated us. These can be anything from inspirational quotes to catchy song lyrics. For instance, Miley Cyrus’ “Flowers” became a powerful anthem in 2023 for self-love and independence, proving that a mantra can be found in any language or format.
The key is to find words that resonate personally and evoke a strong emotional response. This is where the magic happens. Let’s explore some daily applications.
1. Use mantras to overwrite mental chatter
First of all, citing a mantra can give your brain a break. Every day, we are drowning in a constant stream of thoughts. From grocery lists and work issues to life’s big questions. Apparently we have around 60,000 thoughts per day. While this makes our minds incredibly powerful, all this thinking can be tiring. If you ever lay awake at bedtime because you can’t stop thinking—you know where I’m coming from.
Next time you are struggling to drift off, choose a word or phrase—a mantra—to guide your mind away from the chatter. It can be a simple word like “peace” or a short phrase like “I am calm.” Silently repeat it, whisper it, or even say it out loud. By focusing on this single thought, you’ll essentially distract yourself from the constant flow of thoughts that keep you up.
Counting your blessings instead of sheep is another excellent way to calm your nervous system before sleep. Your mantra would be, “I am thankful for X, I am thankful for Y, I am thankful for Z,” and on and on, you go. A quote from Meister Eckhart says, “If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is thank you, it will be enough.” It indeed does wonders.
2. Use mantras to silence self-doubt
“My Mind & Me…We don’t get along sometimes.” Have you ever heard this Selena Gomez song? Most people don’t always have their biggest supporter in their headspace. In fact, isn’t the biggest issue with overthinking that our thoughts can be harmful, too, filled with self-doubt or anxiety?
Yes, we all face issues. But add a dose of overthinking to any problem and it will blow out of proportion.
You can use personal mantras as the opposing power to the internal bully. Imagine having a devil on one shoulder and an angel on the other. You know you don’t need to help the devil; it constantly has something to critique.
The mantra you choose should give words and power to the angel. It may take something as simple as continuously saying, “I am enough.” Because you are enough; you just need to realize it and rejoice in it.
3. Use mantras to stay on track
There’s a deceptive imposter lurking in the shadows of self-care—procrastination. It’s the voice disguising itself as self-compassion whispering, “After such a hard day, you deserve ice cream now. You’ll workout tomorrow.” This instant gratification trap can derail even the best intentions.
That’s where personal mantras become our secret weapons. They’re the tiny compasses guiding us back to our goals that are more important that short-term pleasures.
When I need to get something done or simply stick to the simplest self-care routines that keep my body in tact, such as simple 5 minutes stretches, I remind myself a mantra I inspired by a section in Brené Brown’s book “Daring Greatly”. I’ve slightly updated it, but if you’re currently in a similar season of life, may resonate with you too:
“A twenty-minute walk that I do is better than the four-mile run that I don’t do. An unpredictable yoga practice that kids can cut short abruptly any second is better than the 1-hour session I never find the space or time for. Homemade soup is better than the gourmet meal I’ll never cook. Good enough is is pretty effin’ good.”
Just reminding me that small wins now are better than big wins that never take place, helps me get stuff done. Perhaps it helps you too.
4. Use written mantras as daily boosts
While reciting mantras is a powerful way to overwrite negative thoughts and shift anxious minds, you can also keep them close in different ways.
The world provides you with channels where negative news is dominating. You can take it upon yourself to incorporate positivity and inspiring words into your daily life.
Sticky notes, screensavers, and wall art are simple yet effective methods to create an environment that uplifts and motivates. Imagine waking up to a personally curated mantra on your pillow. Or seeing an inspiring quote on your computer screen throughout the day. These small, intentional acts are a gift to yourself and others who are blessed to enter your space.
By surrounding yourself with words that resonate and inspire you to do better, you create a constant source of encouragement and support.
5. Wear mantras to share inspiration
Brand names are not my forte. Someone wearing a shirt that says Nike would go under my radar. But if it is a Nike bag with the brand’s famous slogan, “Just do it.” It may be the last nudge I need to rush off the train and chase after my dream. It’s a significant brand association, but the Nike logo is irrelevant when all you seek is a message of encouragement.
I love clothes with quotes and wise sayings. Wearing inspiring words reminds me of strength, gratitude, or joy throughout my day. It is also a way to serendipitously inspire others.
If this idea resonates with you, explore Mantra Staples store. There your everyday staple shirts and other clothing items are infused with various mindfulness mantras and inspirational sayings.
Where to find inspiration for a personal mantra?
There is no set way to find words that move you. You'll hear or read them, and the connection will be serendipitous. It can happen instantly, or you'll rediscover something years later, giving your world a whole new meaning.
From the timeless truths of ancient texts to the inspiring lines in modern songs, books, and movies, from thought-provoking conversations with friends to witty one-liners overheard on the street, I will continuously explore wise words, quotes, and phrases through the Mantra Staples blog. Perhaps you'll find your mantra here.
If you don't have time to read, I suggest a quick Pinterest or GoodReads search as the other top sources for a quick dose of wise words.
If you'd like to contribute and share how a personal mantra has changed your life, get in touch. You may also want to share your current mantra and what it means to you. I'd love to share those stories with others who seek peace or inspiration on Mantra Staples.
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